Method of and apparatus for twisting yarn



Nov. 15, 1949 c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 44 l0Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Nov. l5, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. 1, 1947 10Sheets-Sheet 2 1 Henry C. Uhl/lg BY @fw/w. 4mm ATTORNEY Nov. 15, 1949 H.c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10Sheets-Sheet 3 DJIDIDJ FEE/f3- fsa y 4 490 42 5a fs 62 INVENTOR Hen (yC.' U//fg BY @l0/1MM ATTORNEY Nov. 15, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. 1, 1947 10Sheets-Sheet 5'rv Nav. 15, 1949 v HxC. UHLIG. 2,487,837i

METHOD AND APPARATUS Foa 'rwIs'rING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10Sheets-SheetI 6 W ,al 0% ATTO R N EY Nov. 15, 1949 H. QUHUG y 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Aug. l,1947 /52 NVENTOR y Hcnr)C.U/1S

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ATTORNEY .GJ W 7 8 /H 3 U t R.. /UY 8 e 7, e mcd@ .D 8 S NVJXR .4 Er. Os vh T 2 n m. e I m H A s m m H. C. UHLIG METHOD AND APPARATUS FORTWISTING YARN Nov 15, 1949 Flled Aug l 1947 10 Sheets-.Sheet 9 Z 7"/20NvEN-rola Henry C. Uhl/:g W #l ULM ATTORNEY" H. C. UHLIG METHOD ANDAPPARATUS ,FOR TWISTING YARN Nov. 15, 1949 Filed Aug 1, 1947 Nov. 15,1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10Sheets-Sheet 10 my, v XXIL lNvENToR Hcn r y C. (fh/1:9

w. IMJ@ ATTORNEY Piuma Nov. 1s, ma

AuNl'rEo"s'm'rls PATENT OFFICE METHOD F AND APPARATUS FOB TWISTING YARNnem-y c. Uhlig, ourson, n. J.,

Machinery Company, Inc.. Pascal assignor to Howe c, N. J., a c or/poration of New Jersey Application August 1, 1947, Serial No. 765.577

19 Claims. (CI. 51-58) 2 l l This invention relates to a method of andan nection with the twisting of rayon arn to form apparatus for twistingyarn. More particularly the invention relates to the twisting oi' yarninto threads and the cabling of such threads into a cabled or strandedcord.

lThe invention has among its objects, the provision of an improvedmethod for twisting yarn which makes possible, in one operationinvolving but one unreeling step and one reeling-up step, the twistingofa plurality of the yarns to threads and the cabling of such threads tocords.

Another object of the invention lies 'in the provision of a relativelyflexible in its operation, for carrying out such method.

'A further object of the invention resides in the provision, in suchapparatus, of an improved reeling device for cabling the threads, suchdevice including means for imposing a predetermined tension on thethreads being cabled.

Yet another object of the inventionl resides in the provision in suchapparatus, of an improved thread feeding means for receiving theseparate twisted threads and forwarding them to the cabling reel.

A still further object of the invention lies in the] provision, 'in thereeling device, of an improved loading or cable laying nger and of avnovel traverse mechanism therefor.

These and further objects of the invention will be more readily apparentin the following description of preferred embodiments of the method andapparatus of the invention.

simple apparatus, which is There is a wide-spread need in industry forthe cabling o1' threads. Among the most common uses for such cabledthreads may be cited their employment as reinforcing cords in automobiletires and in V belts. It is most usual at present to employ for suchcause the various synthetics, such as rayon ,and Nylon, because of theirstrength, and their 'heat and ilexure resistance. Both of such materialsare formed as fine iibers extruded from spinnerets, a plurality of suchbers being wound in the form of a flat ribbon or yarn to form a "cake,"It is with the forming of cords from such yarns with which the presentinvention is primarily concerned, although it is `,to-be understood that`v [-ratusoi the invention may be used to advantage the method and theappain forming. cords from other ne fiber threads and lalso from linewire. The words "yarn," "th'read, and cord as used in the presentspeciiication and claims are therefore to be broadly construed toinclude such materials, although the invention will be particularlydescribed in concords.

In practicing prior art methods for performing such yarn twistingoperation, it has been necessary, first, to form a plurality of separatethreads by twisting the yarns usually all in one direction, theresulting threads being reeled upon a separate bobbin for each thread.Such threads were then, in a separate, subsequent, operation, fed fromsuch bobbins and twisted together, usually in a direction opposite tothe direction of twist of the individual threads. There were thusnecessary two separate and distinct operations, each of which involvedfeeding from bobbins, twisting (more properly cabling in the secondoperation), and reeling the resultant twisted product on a bobbin. Suchprior method was unduly time consuming, and in effect required aduplication of at least some of the elements of the apparatus, incarrying out the two twisting steps of the method.

The method and apparatus of the present invention make possible theproduction of cabled or stranded cord irom yarn in one continuousoperation. Generally, the method involves feeding two or more yarns fromseparate supply bobbins, the bobbins being mounted on twisting spindlespreferably of such character as to im- Y part a double twist to the yarnand thus to form a thread. Each such thread so formed is then fedcontinuously to a cabling reel, being combined in their travel thereto,so that the cord laid upon the bobbin in the cabling reel unit iscomposed of two or more twisted The invention will be more readilyunderstood by a consideration of the drawings appended hereto in which:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of the yarntwisting machine of the invention;

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of such machine, the view beingtaken from a plane parallel to that containing the axes of the yarnsupplying bobbins;

Figure 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic view in vertical transverse sectionthrough the apparatus, the spindles, at the left in Figure 3, beingshown as they appear from the line III-III in Figure 2, and thesupporting structure therefor, at the right in Figure 3 being shown asit appears from a vertical transverse plane through line III-III andthus through the right-hand end of the frame shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view in plan shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a View in ve of the apparatus tical section through threadscabled together.

the axis of the double twisting device serving as "a support for a yarnsupplying bobbin;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view in vertical section showing details ofconstruction of the device shown in Figure Figure 7 is a view in sideelevation oi a stationary yarn tensioning device employed in theapparatus shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 isa view similar to that of Figure 7 with the tensioning deviceturned 90 about its longitudinal axis;

Figure 9 is a view 1n section through the longitudinal axis of the yarntensioning device, in operative condition, the section being taken alongthe line IX-IX in Figure '7;

Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9 with the yarn engaging'and tensioning blocks Open;

Figure 11 is a view in perspective of a yarn engaging block employed inthe yarn tensioning device;

Figure 12 is a view in vertical section through the axis of the cablingreel unit;

Figure 13 is a view in cross-section through such cabling reel unit, thesection being taken along the line XIII- XIII in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view in vertical crosssection through the baseof the cabling reel unit, the section being taken along the line XIV-XIVin Figure 13 Figure 15 is a view in front elevation of the traversemechanism for the loading nger ernployed with the cabling reel unit;

Figure 16 is a v'iew in side elevation of such traverse mechanism;

Figure 17 is a view in rear elevation traverse mechanism;

Figure 18 is a view in plan of the traverse mechanism; n

Figure 19 is a horizontal section through the `traverse mechanism', thesection being taken along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 15;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the loading ringersupporting unit;

Figure 21 is a view in plan of the unit shown in Figure 20; and

Figure 22 is a view in vertical section through Such unit, the sectionbeing taken along the line XXI-XXII in Figure 20.

The preferred embodiment of the yarn twisting apparatus of theinvention, which is shown more generally in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive,includes a framework generally designated 2, of which the cornervertical supports are designated l, the lower front cross member 6, thelower rear cross member 8, the intermediate rear cross member I4, thetop front cross member lll, and the top rear cross member I2. In Figures2 to 4, inclusive, such framework is generally omitted, only theadditional lower cross member 46 forming the supporting means for theyarn twisting units and the cabling reel unit being shown. Member IG isattached to intermediate end frame members, one is shown at I6 inFigure 1. In the apparatus illustrated, there are employed two 'bobbinsupporting and yarn twisting devices, the left hand such unit beingdesignated 2li, and the right hand such unit being designated 22. It isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of twosuch units, each supplying a to the cabling reel unit, but that of thelthere may be employed any desired number, from two upwards, of yarntwisting upon the number of twisted the'cord. Itis devices, dependingthreads desired in also to be understoodthat whereas twisted together.

The cabling reel unit shown at 24 is preferably, although notnecessarily, located between twisting devices 2U and 22. In theembodiment shown, the axes of spindles 20, 22, and 24 lie in a commonplane. The axes of spindles 2U and 22 are spaced equal distances fromthat of spindle 24, as shown in Fig. 2. Capstan 33 is located with itsaxis substantially at a, right angle to the axis of spindle 24, the axisof spindle 24 substantially intersecting the capstan, as is evident fromFigs. 1-4, inclusive. As a result, threads 28 and 32 travelsubstantially equal distances from their 20, is fed therefrom in theform of a twisted thread 28, and the similar yarn shown at 30 intwisting device 22 is fed therefrom as twisted thread 32. Preferably theyarn is in the form' of flat yarn, that is, one in the form twistedrelationship, from the stepped capstan 33 continuing their travel insuch relationship through the compensator and shock absorber 40generally designated 35, from which they emerge,

4'5 tion of its travel shown as shown at 34. In that portion of itstravel downwardly from the compensator until it enters the cabling reelunit 24, the two threads are given one twist about each other, and inthat porat 36 in which it rises it receives another twist, or loadedonto the bobbin, as shown at 3l.

The yarn twisting devices 2U and 22, the cabling reel unit 24, and thestepped capstan 33, are all driven by means of the vertically mountedelectric motor 38 secured to the frame as shown, the motor carryingpulley 40 over which and the idler pulley M is trained the ilat belt 42.The idler pulley is supported on member 4S by means of the intermediatesupport 48, devices 20, 22, and `24 likewise deriving their support frommember Such frame cross member has a front portion 59 at right angles tothe spindles terminating at member 58, and a horizontal rear part Elattached to the rear of the frame. Device 2U is supported on a sleeve,shown at 5i), connected alsmaar formait z2 being positioned in front ofsuch rua or 'the belt u shown 1n Figure 2. and poney n for unit 24 beingpositioned in back or such` run of the belt. Thus pulleys 66 and 61 andthe parts of units 26 and 22 connected thereto, respectively, rotate inone direction', and pulley 60 oi' unit 24 and the parts connected tosuch pulley rotate in the opposite. direction.

The structure of the yarn supplying and yarn twisting units 26 and 22will be more vreadily understood by reference to Figures 5 and 6, whichshow in detail the structure o! unit 22. The supporting sleeve 62 isattached, as shown, to the intermediate support 64. Such sleeve carriesjournaled within it an upright spindle of which the bottom portion isdesignated 66, and the upper axially bored portion integral therewith isdesignated 14. A ball bearing is provided between the spindle and sleeveat the bottom ends of both, and a ball bearing 12 is provided betweenthe spindle intermediate its ends and the upper end of the sleeve. Thespindle thus rotates freely in its supporting sleeve.

The axial passage through the upper portion of the spindle is shown at16. Such passage communicates at its lower end with a segmental slot 16,the innerv wall of which is curved as shown. The upper end of spindlepart 14 is provided with a yarn engaging twisting guide 60 fastenedthereto to rotate with the spindle. Guide 60 may be any one of a numberof conventional devices for such purpose. In its preferred form, suchguide takes the form of two twisting blocks having generally flatconfronting faces spaced slightly apart, between which the yarn travels.Such blocks may have a configuration similar to that of block |26(Figure ll) except that their rear faces need not be rounded. Thespindle 66 is rotated by means of the pulley 66 keyed thereto, thespindle also carrying the thread twisting delivery disc 62 having theradially directed cable tube 64 located therein, the inner end of which,as shown more clearly in Figure 6, communicates with the segmental slot16. Rotation of the pulley 66, as is clearly apparent from Figures 5 and6, rotates the disc 62 and twisting guide 60.

Supported on the spindle in iloating relationship therewith is thebobbln supporting structure, indicated generally at 66. Such structureincludes the upstanding sleeve 66 surrounding spindle part 14, thesleeve being supported on the spindle through the medium of the upperball bearing 90 and the lower ball bearing 62. Structure 66 alsoincludes the radially directed disc portion 94 having the dependingilange 66 thereon. Such structure 66 is provided at one zone with aweight, shown at 61 in the form of a cast lead mass, so that thefloating bobbln supporting structure is unbalanced. When the structureshown in Figure 5 is mounted as shown in Figure 1, with its axis at asubstantial angle to the vertical, structure 66 tends to remain with theweight 61 positioned downwardly.

The bobbln shown at 96 is fixedly positioned on supporting structure 66,the stationary tension device |00 being positioned within the bobbln andcoaxially thereof by means of the supporting member shown at |02. Device22 is covered by the outer can |04 attached to the outer face of flange66 and by the conical cover |06 fitting on top of thecan. When thedevice shown in Figure 6 is operated by driving pulley 66, untwistedflat yarn, shown at |06, is fed from the bobbln into the upper end ofthe tension device |00. The yarn engaging Jaws of such device,subsequently to be more fully described, are as stated, stationary, with-respect to the bobbln, and thus the yarn is given a first twist in theportion ||0 between tensiondevice |00 and rotary twisting guide 60. Thesingle twisted thread, designated I2, is fed downwardly through passage.in the spindle into cable tube I4, from the outer end of which it is fedupwardly to the stationary eye ||4, which is attached to a part of themachine frame. In that portion of its travel shown at ||6, from theouter edge of disc 62 to the eye ||4, the thread receives a furthertwist; thus the devices 26 and 22 shown are called double twistingspindles. 'I'he iioating mounting of the bobbln support cushions theyarn against accelerations such as occur when the machine is started.When the machine has come up to speed and the parts have l reachedequilibrium, support 66, as stated, tends to float in one position andmerely to rock thereabout rather than to rotate about the spindle.

By reason of the rotation of disc 62 in each of spindles 20- and 22,each of the threads 26 and 62 fed from such spindles, respectively,upwardly through eye ||4 forms a balloon which travels in free flightthrough `the air, as indicated in Fig. 2.

Eyes ||4 are located coaxially of the spindles and above them, asindicated in Figs. 2 and 3, each eye I |4 being located the samedistance from the top end of its respective spindle. Thus when the yarnsforming threads 26 and 62 are substantially identical, because of thesubstantial identity of the spindles 20 and 22 and of the speeds atwhich they are rotated, the balloons formed in threads 26 and 32in theportion I6 of the run pf each will be substantially identical in widthand the tensions in such threads 26 and 62 will be substantially thesame when the tension device |00 of each of spindles 20 and 22 isadjusted to the same point.

The stationary tension device |00, positioned within the bobbln 66, ismore clearly shown in Figures 7-10, inclusive.

In Figures '1 and 8 the device is shown in side elevation in positionsturned about its longitudinal axis. In Figure 9 it is shown inlongitudinal section with the tension blocks together in operativerelationship, and in Figure 10 it is shown with the springs which tendto thrust the tension blocks together relieved from contact with theblocks so that tension is removed from the yarn passing between suchblocks.

The tension device comprises an elongated main body having a cylindricalupper end I8 and a lower end |20 generally square in crosssection. Theupper end 6 has an axial bore |22 therethrough, and the lower en'd hasan axial bore |24 through it, so that yarn may be passed longitudinallythrough the body. The lower end |20 is provided with a transversepassageway |26 within which the tension blocks |26 are slidablyreceived. To facilitate removal of the tension blocks, body |20 isprovided with a further transverse slot |29 at right angles topassageway |26, so that the blocks may be removed from the devicethrough slot |26. The outer ends of slot |29 are partially covered, asshown in Figure 8, by the removable cover plates |21.

The tension blocks are generally in the shape of rectangularparallelopipeds, the outer ends |30 of which have a generallycylindrical configuration as shown. The inner yarn engaging face 32 ofeach block is fiat, each block having on they upper edge thereof, whichfirst meets the yarn in itsV travel thereby, a recess |34 ln the shapeof one-half a cone, the apex of which is positioned downwardly. When thetwo blocks |26 are pressed together the recesses |84 cooperate to leadthe yarn therebetween in a path centrally thereof.

The two blocks |28 are pressed together with a predetermined force, thusallowing a predetermined tension to be placed upon the yarn, by the leafsprings |36, one spring being positioned in each of the oppositelydisposed longitudinal slots |38 in the outer face of body I 20. Eachsuch spring has its lower end bent outwardly back upon itself, thespring being maintained in the slot by engagement of the hooked end |38of such outer end of the spring partially around the crosspin |40 inslot |38. The forward end of the spring |42 is bent inwardly and thenoutwardly as shown. The configuration of the spring is such that, whenthe forward ends |42 are not pried apart, the springs lie at upon thebottom of the slot |88 and press blocks |28 together, when no yarn ispassing between them, so that their faces |32 are in contact.

The tension device is provided with a means whereby the amount of forceimposed upon the blocks by the springs, and thus the tension upon theyarn passing through the device, may be varied. In the preferredembodiment, such means takes the form of the sleeve |44 tting about body||8, the sleeve having on its forward or lower end a shoulder |46 in theform of a cone converging toward the body |20. The sleeve may beadjusted longitudinally of body ||8 by means of the nut |48 threadedupon the upper end of such body H8. By rotating the nut |48 in suchdirection as to thrust sleeve |44 to the left, in Figure 9, the ends |42of the springs may be biased outwardly by the shoulder |46 inpredetermined amounts, thus varying the force which the springs |56exert inwardly upon blocks |28. The configurations of shoulder |46 andends |42 of the leaf springs, and the total length of travel of sleeve|44 to the left, are so selected that the sleeve may be thrust to itsstable end position at theleft, as shown in Figure 10, to allow theblocks |28 freely to be thrust apart by yarn passing through and Ythusto relieve the yarn of any retarding tension. y

The structure of the cabling reel unit 24 will be more readily apparentfrom a consideration of Figures 12, 13, and 14. As shown in Figure 12,supporting sleeve 56 is fixedly attached to support 58 and carries,rotatably mounted Within it, the spindle 52, the lower ball bearing |54and the upper ball bearing |56 providing such support of the spindle inthe sleeve. In its upper port-ion spindle |52 is provided with an axialbore |58 for the reception of a cord guide, as will more clearly appearhereinafter.

Floatinglymounted on the upper end of the spindle is a structure forsupporting bobbin |62. Such structure includes the base member |60supported on the spindle through the medium of the upper and lower ballbearings |64 and |65, respectively, and the mandrel |88 forming anextension of structure |60, the two parts |50 and |68 having upwardlyconverging conical surfaces, as shown, for supporting and drivingconnection with the inside of the bobbin |62.

The cabling reel unit of the` invention includes means whereby thecabled yarn or cord is reeled with a predetermined amount of tension.Although such tension determining means may take the form of a frictionslip-clutch, in the preferred embodiment of the device there `isemployed a magnetic slip-clutch. Such device is made up of the outercage member |10, shown attached.

to andv depending from the bottom of structure |60, and the inner rotormember |12 keyed to the spindle |52. The structure of such magneticslip-clutch, whichwill be more fully explained in connection withFigures 13 and 14, is such that rotation of member v|12 within member|10, the latter of which includes a strong permanent magnet, inducescurrent in the nrst member and thus yieldingly connects the two membersfor rotation together. Thus structure |60 and the bobbin mounted thereonis yieldingly driven from the spindle |52. f

On the spindle |52 there is also mounted a disc |14 which is ixedlyconnected to the pulley 50. The disc |14 forms the base to which thecylindrical partial cover in the form of a can |16 is attached. Such canprovides support for the U- shaped tubular cord guide |18, the outer leg|80 of which is secured in upright position to the inside of the can,the bottom portion |82 of which is positioned radially on top of disc|14, and the other or inner leg |84 of which is positioned within thebore |58 in the upper end of the spindle |52.

Also mounted on the spindle |52 is the disc |86, which is oatinglyconnected thereto through the medium of the ball bearings |81. Disc |86serves as the support for the plurality of spaced upright standards |88,the tops 0f which are connected by the ring |90. Disc |85 is provided inone zone thereof with a heavy weight, such as the poured lead weight|89, so that the disc is unbalanced and that thus when the spindle ispositioned at a substantial angle to the vertical, as indicated inFigure 1, the disc |86 and the structure attached thereto tendfloatingly to remain in one angular position with weight |89 downwardly.Disc |86 also serves as support for the walker unit |92 and the frametherefor, more clearly shown in Figures 15 to 19, inclusive, by whichthe cord loading finger is supported and traversed up and down thelength of the bobbin |62. In general such device includes the verticalrotatably mounted worm |94 driven from spindle |52 by means of thepulley |96 thereon, the i'lat belt |98 trained about such pulley andabout pulley 200 on the bottom end of the worm. As shown in Figure 13,there is provided a spring tensoned idler pulley 202 about which suchbelt runs, the idler pulley being mounted on the end of the arm 204pivotally mounted on disc |86, the arm being impelled outwardly by meansof the coil spring 206.

The magnetic slip-clutch includes in its cage |10 the permanent magnet208 the top surface of which is spaced from the bottom surface of part|60 as shown in Figures 12 and 14. Magnet 208 has a plurality of equallyspaced pole pieces 2 I0 formed on its inner, generally cylindricalsurface. Such magnet is preferably made from the materials having highpermeability, such as the alloy composed of 24-30% Ni, 9-13% Al, balanceFe, and the alloy composed of 24-30% Ni, 913% Al, 5-10% Co, balance Fe.The inner rotor |12 has its main body portion 2|| made of soft annealedsteel, there being provided on its periphery a sheath of non-magneticmeta1v2|2 of high electrical conductivity, such as copper to provide alow resistance path for the eddy currents. It will bev apparent thatrelative rotation between parts |10 and |12 induces electric currents inpart |12, as in the rotor of a squirrel cage motor, and that the cageand rotor are thereupon coupled magnetically.- The amount of torque at agiven relative speed between the parts |10 and f 9 |12 depends upon theair-gap between them. Consequently variation oi' the air-gap by suitabledimensioning of the parts allows the selection of a predetermined amountof tension on the cord wound on the bobbin |62 driven by casing |16 ofthe clutch.

Because normal operation of the device involves considerable slipbetween the rotor and cage and thus appreciable eddy currents. there issubstantial heating of the rotor. Heat is dissipated therefrom byproviding a series of vertical holes 2I4 through the body 2|| of therotor |12, a series of holes 2|6 in disc |66. and an air impeller in thefonn of a fan 2|6 keyed to the spindle beneath member |14. When thespindle is rotated cooling air is thus caused to flow. as shown by thearrows in Figure 12, upwardly through the rotor 2| I, thence laterallyinto'the space between the top oi' magnet 268 land the bottom of part|66, and ilnally outwardly through the angularly spaced radial openings|16 through the outer part of rotor |16 below the bottom surface of part|66. Y

The stepped capstan 68 at which the two twisted threads 28. and 82 arecombined in untwisted side-by-side relationship also constitutes themeans by which the number of turns per inch (pitch) in the cablingoperation is governed.. The capstan, which is shown with the three steps2|8, 226, and 222 which are smoothly dished in axial cross-section, isdriven at a speed bearing a definite relationship to the speed ofrotation of the spindle |62, and thus at least approximately to thespeed oi.' rotation of the bobbin |62. The capstan, of course, receivingas it does threads 28 and 62 from units 26 and 22, respectively, alsodetermines the rate of paying out of the single twisted threads fromsuch units by at least substantially positively pulling the threads fromthe outer ends oi' the balloons in the threads created and maintained bytheir respective spindles 26 and 22. Variation in the number of turnsper inch of the twist (pitch) in the single twisted threads may beaccomplished by changing the diameter of drive pulleys 66 and 61relative to that of pulley 66 driving the cabling reel unit. Thesurfaces of the steps 2|8, 226, and 222 of capstan 66 are each, in theembodiment shown, of partial toroidal shape. Such surfaces function, inthe feeding of the combined but untwisted threads, in a manner morefully set out hereinafter.

The capstan 86 is aillxed to the forward end of the cross shaft 224.iournaled in pillow blocks on the top of the machine frame. Such shaftis driven through the medium of chain 228 which runs over sprocket 226on the rear end thereof, and' sprocket 242 on drive shaft 268, shown atthe bottom in Figure 2. tioned idler sprocket 266 is provided tomaintain the chain 228 taut. Shaft 238 is driven from spindle 4|62 bymeans of the worm 262 aillxed to the bottom of the spindle, such wormmeshing with worm gear 234 keyed on the forward end of shaft 266, theshaft being journaled in pillow blocks, as shown, on the machine frame.Because spindle |62 is positioned at an angle to the vertical. auniversal joint 246, shown for simplicity in straight condition inFigure 3, but actually driving through a marked angle in the deviceshown in Figure 1, is employed. As above explained in connection withthe manner of supporting ngember 46, the front part 68 of the framecross member, which is disposed at right angles to spindle |62, is, inthe actual machine,

An adjustably posi- |62 and shaft 224-, and thus changes in the numberof turns per inch (the pitch) in the cablin operation. are eilected bythe use of suitable yratios of sprockets 226 and 242. Minor changes inthe pitch of the cabled cord, that is. number of turns per unit length,are made by shifting the threads 26 and 62 to the appropriate step ofthe capstan, such steps filling smoothly the gaps in the speed ratioobtainable by sprocket changes.

Each ofisteps 2|8, 266, and 222 of capstan 66. besides acting as agathering point for the threads delivered from the twistingspindles 26and 22, also functions as an automatic tension compensator andequalizer. 'I'he threads continually try to travel to the end of thestep over which they are trained. because the speed of the end and thusits frictional drag on thev threads is greater than that of the centerof the step. Slippage between threads and capstan step, however, limitstravel of the 4threads toward the end of the step. The continualmovement or walking" of the threads axially of the capstan step tends toeven out variations in tension in the compensator and shock absorber 66,function to 'feed the threads to be cabled to the cablingspindie underuniform tension.

The combined threads 28 and 62 untwisted on each other,4 fed from thecapstan 66, travel to the compensator and shock-absorber 66 shown inFigure 2. Such device, which has an elongated horizontally disposed mainframe 244, is supported from member |6 of the machine frame by thedepending support 246. The compensator includes a thread guide pulley246, the supporting block 26| of which is mounted for longitudinaltravel on the longitudinal rod 266 lsupported by the body 244, parallelthereto but spaced therefrom, pulley 248 being thrust to the right inF18- ure 2 by means of the compression spring 262. Block- 26| is boredto receive rod 266 therethrough, a key connection (not shown) bein!provided between block and rod to prevent turning the block on the rod.The compensator is further provided with a fixed idler pulley 264 and adead eye 266 as shown in Figure 2, so that the combined threads feddownwardly from the capstan are rst led over pulley 246, thence to theleft around pulley 264, and from there through the dead eye 266 fromwhich it emerges at 84 to travel downwardly and into the leg |86 ofguide tube |16 of the cabling reel unit. Eye 266, as shown in Figs. 2and 3, is located substantially coaxial with spindle 24, and between theupper end of such spindle and capstan 6I. Thus the balloon which formsin the cord 64 between eye 266 and cord guide |66 is symmetrifirstlongitudinally extending frame member 262,V

and a second such member 264 parallel` thereto. One of the standards |88is, as shown, also utilized in forming 4such frame. Buch frame is attached between the disc |86 and the top |90 so Yas to be fixed thereon.

The two vlongitudinal members 262 and 264 are providedwith inwardlyfacing rack gears 266 and 268, respectively, the bottoms of such rackgears being connected by a short horizontal rack 210. The walker unit|92 is made up of the front plate 212 and the rear plate 214, suchplates being connected by suitable cross members` o! which one is shownat 216 in the form of"-9l bottom plate for such unit. The unit |92 ismounted and guided on the framework so as to travel from top to bottomthereof, such travel being effected as follows: the worm |94 is, as wehave seen, driven by spindle |52 through the medium of belt |98, andpulleys |96 and 200. The walker unit |92 has mounted therein atransverse shaft 280 on one end of which there is affixed the worm gear218 meshing with worm |94. Also keyed to shaft 290 is a pinion 282.Journaled on the walker unit frame coaxially of shaft 280 is a cage 284which is provided with a crossshaft 286 carrying a pinion 288 constantlyin mesh with pinion 282. Pinion 288 has a diameter somewhat less thanthe distance between rack gears 266 and 268. Thus, rocking of the cage284 in a clockwise direction (Figure causes pinion 288 to mesh with rackgear 268 and rocking of such cage in a counter-clockwise direction freespinion 288 from contact with rack kSuch loading finger support consistsof the main f on the rear end of body 302. A shaft 306 is re- 268 andcauses it to mesh with rack 266. The

cage is provided with an arm at 290 and with a cam follower 292 on theend thereof, such cam follower cooperating with the upstanding cam track294'afllxed to frame member 262. The cam' track is provided at itsbottom with an opening 296 through which the cam follower 292 may pass.The cam track terminates at its upper end at 298. In order to -positioncage 284 stably, a coil spring 29| is positioned between the arm and theframe of the walker unit to urge the cage in a clockwise direction,-asshown in Figure 15.

From the above description the manner of operation of the walker unitwill be apparent. Rotation of worm |94 in one direction drives wormwheel 219 and thus pinions 282 and 288, causing such latter pinion toclimb up or down the rack with which it is in mesh carrying with it theunit |92. Assume for example, that the worm is driven in such directionthat the walker unit is progressing downwardly (Figure 15). When pinion288 reaches the bottom of rack 268 it then meshes with transverse rack210, which causes cage 284 to be rocked counter-clockwise, against theaction of spring 29|, since at this point the cam follower 292 liesopposite opening 296 in the cam track.l The follower thentravelsupwardly to the right of the track, thus preventing the spring 29| fromreturning the cage to its former position. Pinion 288 then meshes withrack 266, and, still rotating in the same direction, causes the walkerunit to climb in the frame. The unit continues travel in such directionuntil the cam follower 292 clears the upper end 298 of the camY track.Spring 29| then turns the cage clockwise to cause it to assume theposition shown in Figure 15, so that the unit then again travelsdownwardly.

The walker unit above described forms the support by which the loadingfinger is traversed up and down the length of the bobbin |62. Supportfor such linger on the walker unit is afforded by the mounting plate300, to which the loading flnger and the support therefor more clearlyshown in Figures 20, 21, and 22, are attached.

ceived in openings through the two pairs of aforementioned ears, beingpinned as shown to ears 308. A toothed or ratchet wheel 3|0 ispositioned on shaft 306 between ears 3| 2 and is pinnedto such shaft.There is provided a pawl in the form of leaf spring 3|4, the forward endof which is secured to the body and the rear end of which normallyimpinges on the ratchetwheel. It will be seen, particularly byconsidering Figure 21, that when the pawl 3|4 is in operativerelationship, body 302 may be swung quite freely in a clockwisedirection but it is prevented Afrom moving counter-clockwise by thepawl. Thus the loading finger mounted on body 302 is prevented frombecoming jammed against the bobbin |62 or the cord 31 wound thereon. Thefinger is initially positioned by being placed in contact with thebobbin or the cord wound thereon, at its greatest diameter, after whichthe finger is automatically thrust outwardly at each repeated contact,between it and the portion of the wound cord of greatest diameter. Thepawl may be released to swing the body 302 counter-clockwise, whenrequired,.by means of the plunger 3 6 which when pressed upwardly(Figure 21) removes the rear end of the pawl from contact with theratchet wheel 3|0.

The loading finger, shown generally at 3|8, is adiustably mounted on theforward end of the body 302 so that it may be varied in its effectivelength. The forward end of the finger is provided with a guide shoe 320which lies close to or engages, as the case may be, the outer layer ofcord on,.the bobbin, thus insuring correct placement of the cord beinglaid. Body 302 is also provided with an idler pulley 322 under whichcord 38 travels prior to its entry in the guide opening in the shoe 320.

The cabling reel unit 24 is also provided with an upwardly and inwardlyinclined guide arm 324 positioned on top of ring |90, such arm carryingthe upper idler guide pulley 326 and the lower idler guide pulley A328.The two threads 28 and 32, combined, as explained, in untwisted parallelrelationship at the capstan 33 travel in that condition through thecompensator 35. Immediately on emerging from eye 256 the two threads arecabled. The first twist of such cabling is given them in that portion oftheir travel in which the cord forms a loop or balloon which travels infree flight through the air, that is from the eye 256 to leg of the cordguide tube, by reason of the rotation of the disc |14 and thus the cordguide carried thereby. Such first twisted cord is then given a secondtwist, in the same direction, in that portion of its travel, shown at36, from the inner end of leg |82 of the cord guide to upper guidepulley 326. The double twisted cord-then travels downwardly around theguide wheel 328, under guide wheel 322 on the walker unit, and thence tothe shoe 320 of the loading finger 3|8 where it is laid on the bobbin|62 to form the wound package 31.

Because the twisting operations involved in progressing from yarn tocord all take place continuously and without stoppage of the material,the cord resulting therefrom is characterized by its uniformity. Thisfollows from the fact that the twisting of all threads and that of thethreads together to form a cord, are all correlated, thus insuring theproduction of a cord of accurately predetermined uniform construction.The process, and the use of the apparatus of the invention, are alsodistinguished by theirspeed, their economy. and their lack of necessityfor the continuous attention of an operator. Whereas I have describedand illustrated preferred embodiments of the method, the apparatus, andthe component units of the apparatus, of the invention, it will beunderstood that the invention in its broader 'aspects is capable ofconsiderable variation as to details. The invention is therefore, notlimited to the embodiments thereof shown and described, but is definedby the scope of the following claims.

I claim as new the following:

1, The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in onecontinuous operation, comprising the following steps in the order named:feeding each of a plurality of yarns in the direction of its length fromits separate source of supply, during such feeding separately twistingthe yarns to form threads, gathering such threads into generallyparallel relationship, forwarding such threads in such relationship,forming a loop under yielding tension in such forwarded threads, feedingthe threads together from the loop, and twisting the thus fed gatheredthreads together to form a cord, the first twisting, the gathering, thelooping, and the second twisting steps being performed with the materialcontinuously in motion.

2. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in onecontinuous operation,

comprising the following step/ in the order named: feeding each of aplur ity of yarns in the direction of `its length from its separatesource of supply, during such feeding separately 4 twisting the yarnsall in the same hand to form threads, gathering such .threads intogenerally parallel relationship, forwarding such threads in suchrelationship, forming a loop under yielding tension in such forwardedthreads, feeding the 45 being performed with the material continuouslyoin motion. the speed of gathering and forwarding of the threads to theloop governing the speed of witidi'au-'al of the yarns from theirsources.

3. The method vof forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in onecontinuous operation, 55

comprising the following steps in the ordernamed: withdrawing each of aplurality of yarns from its separate source in the direction of itslength, separately twisting each such yarn the same predetermined amountin the same hand to form a threads, gathering such threads inapproximately parallel relationship while continuing the travel of thematerial, forwarding thegathered threads into a loop thereof yieldinglymaintained under tension, feeding the threads together from 65 suchloop, and twisting the thus fed gathered threads together in the handopposite the direction of twist of the individual threads to form acord, and yieldingly coiling the resulting cord,

14 of the yarns from their sources, all of such steps being perfumedwith the material continuously in motion.

4. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from-a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn supplying and'twisting spindles, each spindle including means for feeding yarn fromthe spindle and a rotary driven means to twist the yarn into a threadwhile it is fed from the spindle, means for driving the rotary twistingmeans of each spindle in such direction as to twist the threads in thesame hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receiving the threadsfrom the spindles for feeding` them oil their spindles and for gatheringand forwarding them. means receiving the gathered threads including acoiler, rotary driven means for twisting threads together, before theypass to the coller, in the hand opposite to the twist of the individualthreads to form a cord, means for driving the sheave and the last namedrotary twisting means at a predetermined speed relationship, thematerial traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarnto the coiler, and looper means interposed between the sheave and thelast named twisting means to store an excess length of gathered threadsyieldingly under tension.

5. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation. comprising a plurality of yarn twistingspindles. each such spindle including a source" of supply of yarn androtary means for twisting the yarn into a twisted thread of the samehand, means for driving the rotary twisting means of each spindle, meansfor gathering and forwarding such threads from the spindles, and meansfor twisting together the threads in the hand opposite to the twist ofthe individual threads to form a cord, such last named means being acoller ino cludlng a driven rotary cord receiving bobbin, ro-

tary means for twisting the threads together before they are deliveredto the bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary twistingmeans in synchronism with the rotary twisting means of the spindles, thematerial traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarnthrough the gathering and forwarding means and to the cord twistingmeans, and looper means interposed between the gathering and forwardingmeans and the cord twisting means to store an excess length of gatheredthreads yieldingly under tension.

6. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn twistingspindles, each such spindle including a bobbin support, a yarncontaining bobbin thereon, and rotary driven means to twist the yarninto a thread while it is fed on the bobbin, means for driving therotary twisting means of each spindle in such direction as to twist theyarns in the same hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receivingthe threads from the twisting spindles for feeding their yarns on theirbobbins and for gathering and forwarding the threads, and meansreceiving the gathered threads for twisting them together in the handopposite to the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, the lastnamed means being a coiling device which includes a the twisting of thethreads together being so conbobbin Support, a bobbin thereon. means tofeed ducted as toform a cord of predetermined pitch,l such pitch havinga predetermined relation to the pitch of the individual twisted threads,the

' speed of gathering and forwarding of the gaththe gathered threads tothe bobbin and to wind them thereon, rotary driven means to twist thethreads together as they are fed to the bobbin. and means to drive thesheave and the last named ered threads governing the speed of withdrawal7l rotary twisting means at speeds in synchronlsm with the speed oi' therotary yarn twisting means of the spindles, the material travelingcontinuously lfrom the'sources oi supply of the yarn to the coilingdevice, and looper means interposed between the sheave and the cordtwisting means to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldinglyunder tension.

'l'. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality oi yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn twistingspindles each such spindle including a bobbin support, a yarn containingbobbin thereon, and rotary driven means to twist the yarn into a threadwhile it is fed of! the bobbin, means for driving the rotary twistingmeans of each spindle in such direction as to twist the yarns in thesame hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receiving the threadsfrom the twisting spindles and thereby feeding their yarns of! theirbobbins, and for gathering and forwarding the threads, looper meansreceiving the gathered threads to store an excess length of gatheredthreads yieldingly under tension, and means for receiving the gatheredthreads from the looper for twisting them together in the hand oppositeto the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, the last namedmeans being a coiling device which includes Va driven rotary bobbinsupport, a cord collecting bobbin thereon, means to feed the gatheredthreads to the cord collecting bobbin and to wind them thereon, a rotarydriving means, a slip drive means interposed between the rotary drivingmeans and the collecting bobbin support, rotary twisting means driven bythe rotary driving means to twist the threads together as they are fedfrom the looper means to the cord collecting bobbin, and meansconnecting the sheave and the rotary driving means to maintain theirspeeds in synchronism with the speed of the rotary yarn twisting meansof the spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources ofsupply oi' the yarn to the cord collecting bobbin.

8. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in onecontinuous operation comprising the following steps in the order named:feeding each of a plurality of yarns in the direction of its length fromits separate source of supply, imposing a predetermined back tension oneach such yarn, during such feeding and after the yarn has left thelocation of the imposition of the back tension, forming a balloon ineach such yarn and separately4 twisting the yarns to form threads, theaxis of the balloon in each yarn extending in generally the samedirection as that of each of the other yarns, gathering suchthreadsfinto generally parallel relationship at a point beyond theballoon in each, the location of gathering of the threads beinggenerally the same distance from the outer end of each balloon,forwarding such threads in such generally parallel relationship, forminga loop underr yielding tension in such forwarded threads, feeding thethreads together from the loop. and twistaccesar Y 16 each such yarn andseparately twisting the yarns to form threads, the axis of the balloonin each yarn extending in generally the same direction as that of eachof the other yarns, gathering such threads into generally parallelrelationship at a point beyond the balloon in each, the location ofgathering of the threads being substantially the/same distance from theouter end of each bal--V loon, forwarding such threads in such generallyparallel relationship, forming a loop under yielding tension in suchforwarded threads. feeding the threads together from the loop, twistingthe thus fed gathered threads together-to form a cord, during the lastnamed twisting step forming a balloon in the cord, withdrawing thetwisted cord from the last named balloon, and yieldingly coiling suchcord, the ilrst twisting, the gathering, the looping, and the secondtwisting steps being performed with the material continuously in motion.

10. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation comprising a. plurality of similar yarntwisting spindles, the spindles being of the type which delivers thetwisted thread therefrom in a ballon, means incorporated in eachtwisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn,the axes of the spindles being generally parallel, each such spindletwisting a yarn into a twisted thread as the yarn passes therethrough.means for gathering and forwarding such threads in generally parallelrelationship, said last named means being located at the delivery endsof the spindles and substantially equally spaced from each spindle,means receiving the threads from the gathering and forwarding means fortwisting together the gathered threads to form a cord. the materialtraveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn to thelast named means, and looper means interposed between the gathering andforwarding means and the last recited twisting means to store an excesslength of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

11. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twistingspindles, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twistedthread therefrom in a balloon, means incorporated in each twistingspindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axesof each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis of its spindle,the axes of the twisting spindles being generally parallel, means forgathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, suchlast named means being located beyond the outer end of each of theballoons from the twisting spindles and -being spaced at substantiallyequal distances from the axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle fortwisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, the cablingspindle including a cord receiving bobbin, means for twisting thethreads together before they are delivposed between the gathering andforwarding means and the cabling spindle to store an excess length ofgathered threads yieldingly under tension.

l2. An apparatus for forming stranded cord 17 from a plurality of yarnsin one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twistingspindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, the spindlesbeing of they type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in aballoon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing apredetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloongenerally coinciding with the axis of its spindle, the axes of thetwisting spindles being generally parallel, means forr gathering andforwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, such last named meansbeing located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from thetwisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distances fromthe axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle of the type creating, andreceiving material from, a balloon for twisting together the thusforwarded threads to form a cord, the cabling spindle including a drivenrotary cord receiving bobbin, rotary means for receiving and twistingthe threads together before they are delivered to the bobbin, and meansfor driving the last named rotary `twisting means in synchronism withthe twisting spindles, the material traveling continuously from thesources of supply of the yarn through the gatheringk and forwardingmeans and to the lcabling spindle, and looper means interposed betweenthe gatheringy and forwarding means and the cabling spindle tol store anexcess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension. i

13. An apparatus for forming strandedkcord from a plurality of yarns ino ne continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twistingspindles each incorporating its-.source of yarn supply, the spindlesbeing of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in aballoon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing apredetermined backA tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloongenerally coinciding withlthe axis of its spindle, the axes of thetwisting spindles being generally parallel, means for gathering andforwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, the last named meansincluding a driven capstan having a step smoothly dished in axialsection, thread from each twisting spindle being led under tension fromits balloon substantially directly to and around the capstan step, suchcapstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons fromthe twisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distancesfrom the axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle of the type creating,and receiving material from, a balloon for twisting together the thusforwarded vthreads to forml a cord, the cabling spindle including adriven rotary cordreceiving bobbin, rotary means for receiving andtwisting the threads together, before they are delivered tothe bobbin,and means for driving the last named rotary twisting lmeans insynchronism with Ivthe'twisting spindles, the material travelingcontinuously from the sources of supply oi the yarnlto the capstan andto the cabling spindle, and looper means interposed between thecapstanf-and thecabling spindle to store an excess length of gatheredthreads yieldlnsly under tension.

14. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar doubletwisttwisting `spindles each* incorporating its' source of yarn' supply, thespindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefromin a-`balloon,'means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposinga `predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloongenerally coinciding with the axis o1' its spindle, the axesv of thevtwisting spindles being generally parallel, means for gathering andforwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, the last named meansincluding a driven capstan having a step smoothly dished in axialsection, thread from each twisting spindle being led Iunder tension fromits balloon substantially directly to and around the capstan step, suchcapstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons fromthe twisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distancesfrom the axes of the spindles, a double-twist cabling spindle `of thetype creating, and receiving material from, a balloon for twistingtogether the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, the cabling spindleincluding a driven rotary cord receiving bobbin, rotary means forreceiving and twisting the threads together before they are delivered tothe bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary twisting meansin synchronism with the twisting spindles, the material travelingcontinuously from the sources of supply of the yarn to the capstan andto the cabling spindle, and looper means interposed between the capstanand the cabling spindle to store an excess length of gathered threadsyieldingly under tension.

l5. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a' plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising ay plurality of similar yarntwisting spindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, thespindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefromin a balloon in free flight through the air, means incorporatedy ineach' twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on theyarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axisof its spindle, the axes of the twisting spindles being'generallyparallel, means for gathering and forwarding the threads from thetwisting spindles, the last named means including a driven capstan,thread from each` twisting spindle being led under tension from itsballoon i substantially directly to and around the capstan,

such capstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloonsfrom the twisting spindles, a cabling device of the type creating, andreceiving material from, a balloon in free flight through the air fortwisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord,s`aidcabling device comprising a rotary driven spindle having a free endspaced froml the capstan, a bobbin support mounted on the spindle of thecabling device a driving connection between the spindle of lthe cablingdevice and the bobbin support, the capstan substantially positivelyforwarding the threads from the outer ends of their balloons, means fordriving said capstan in synchronism with the spindle of the cablingdevice, and means to drivethe yarn twisting spindles and the beinggenerally parallel, means for gathering and:

cabling spindle in synchronism.

v16. An apparatus for uforming rstranded cordw from 'aplurality of yarnsin one continuous 'operation, comprising a` plurality of similar yarntwist` ing spindles, each'incorporating its source of yarn supply, thespindles being ofthe type which. de-

livers thevtwisted threadtherefrom in a balloon in free flight throughthe, air, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposingapredeter- 'mined `baci: tension on the yarn, the axis of eachsuch'balloon ngenerally,coinciding kwith the axisv of v,its spindle, theaxes of .the twisting` spindles cord. said cabling device comprising arotary Q driven spindle having a free end spaced from the capstan, thecapstan lying at least generally on the projected axis of the spindle ofthe cabling device, a bobbin support mounted on the cabling device. adriving connection between the spindle of the cabling device and thebobbin support, the capstan substantially positively forwarding thethreads from the outer ends of their balloons, means for driving saidcapstan in synchronism with the spindle of the cabling device, and meansto drive the yarn twisting spindles and the cabling l spindle insynchronism. l

17. An apparatus for forming stranded vcord from a plurality of yarns inone continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar yarntwisting spindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, thespindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefromin a balloon in free flight through the air, adjustable meansincorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a selectedpredetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloongenerally coinciding with the axis of its spindle,

ering and forwarding the v ing spindles, the last named means includinga driven capstan, thread from each twisting spindle the axes of thetwisting' spindles being generally parallel. means for gaththreads fromthe twist- 20 back tension thereon forming a balloon travelling in freenight through the air in each such yarn and separately twistingveach ofthe yarns at the saine rate to form a thread, the axes of the abovenamed balloons extending generally parallel to each other, at a pointbeyond each of the above named balloons gathering the resulting threadsinto generally parallel relationship and controlling the speed of theirwithdrawal from their respective balloons by substantially positivelypulling the threads at a rate synchronized'with the rate of the twistingof the yarns, forwarding such threads in such generally 'parallelrelationship, twisting the thus fed gathered threads together to form acord. during the last named twisting step forming a balloon in freeflight through the air in the cord, the twisting of the threadstogetherto form a cord being carried out at a rate synchronized with therate of .twisting of the yarns to form threads, and withdrawing the cordfrom its balloon and coiling it, the twisting of the yarns, thegatheringof the resulting threads, and the twisting of the threads together toform a cord being performed with the material continuously in motion.A

19. The method of forming stranded cord from 'a plurality ofyarnsin onecontinuous operation comprising the following'steps in the ordernambeing led under tension from its balloon substani tially directly toand around the capstan, such capstan being located beyond the outer endof each 'fof the balloons from the twisting spindles and be- 1 v ingspaced at substantially equal distances from'v the axes of the yarntwisting spindles, a cabling` i device of the type creating, andreceiving material from, a balloon in free flight through theair fortwisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, saidcabling device comprising a rotary driven spindle having a free endspaced from the capstan, the capstan lying at least generally on theprojected axis of the spindle of the cabling device, a bobbin supportmounted on the spindle of the cabling device, a slip driving conf eachof .t

nection between the spindle of the cabling device 'Y and the bobbinsupport, the capstan substantially positively forwarding the threadsfrom the outer ends of their balloons, means drivingly connecting saidcapstan with the spindle of the cabling device. a change speed mechanismincorporated in said last named means, whereby the capstan is driven insynchronism with, and at a selected speed ratio with respect to, thespindle of the cabling device, and means to drive the yarn twistingspindles and the cabling spindle in synchronism. Y

18. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in onecontinuous operation comprising the following steps in the order namedof a plurality of yarns in the direction off` its length from itsseparate source of supply," imposing a predetermined back tension oneach 'such yarn, during such feeding and after each yarn-has`left ythelocationof imposition of the back tensionthereon forming a balloontravellinglin fr'eegfiiglit through `the air in each such yarn'andseparat'ely'twisting each of the yarns at ltheI sainefrate 'to'form athread, the axis of the above named balloons extending generallyparallel 'to each other, .at a point beyond each of the above namedballoons gathering the resulting threads into generally parallelrelationship and controlling Athe speed oftheir--withdrawal from theirrespective balloons --threads vat a'rate synchronized with the rate bysubstantially positively pulling .i'oftheatwistingoi' the yarns, thelocation of the ,gathering-j and pulling of the threads beingsubstantially the'samedistance from the outer end of e "abovenamedballoons, forwarding such threads in such generally parallelrelationship, twisting Athe thus fed gathered threads 'together to formacord, during the last named twisting step forming a balloon in freenight through the air in the cord, the twisting of the threads togetherto form a cord being carried out at a rate-synchronized with the rate oftwisting of the -yarns to form threads, and withdrawing the cord fromits balloon and yieldingly coiling it, the

twisting-of the yarns, the gathering of the resultfeeding each of aplurality of yarns in'thefdirection of its length from its separatesourceof speach yarn,

ing threadsl and the twisting of the threads together toform a cordbeing performed with the material continuously in motion.

HENRY C. UHLIG.

l I aErEaaNcas CITED .The'following references are of record in the inSTATES PA'IENTS Number -Name Date' :359,409. v Vs to e 1 Mar. 15, 1887398.2701 Lukens Feb. 19, 1889 v i,oi'noaswy osborne.-T Feb. 27, 1923 ;L`on: following page)

